Product Information

Publisher's Description

An inspiring glimpse into the struggles of a young Amish farm family Agriculture continues to be the largest industry in the United States with over 2.2 million farms. Amazingly, well over 100,000 new small family farms have sprung up in the past few years and almost no one noticed. Why Cows Need Names follows one young Amish family as they dream about and then struggle to establish a profitable and quintessentially American small farm. The story starts with Eli Gingerichs first timid phone call to author Randy James, the county agricultural agent in Ohios Geauga Amish Settlementthe fourth-largest Amish settlement in the worldand traces the familys progress over the next five years. Through gentle dialogue and true stories, James captures the challenges of creating a simple business plan that will lead to the familys radiant success or dismal failure. As the narrative unfolds, readers get a rare glimpse into what its like to work in the fields with draft horses; in the barn with cows, calves, children, and Chip the family dog; or to sit at the table talking with family and friends over a noontime meal. A picture emerges of how quietly living a shared goal and doing without during hard times can strengthen families and provide an appreciation for what is truly important in life. In addition to the business aspects and day-to-day farm activities, James interweaves commentary on our complex relationships with animals. Surrounded by a factory-farm world, the Gingerich family employs a business model that flatly rejects the dogma of economies of scale and instead focuses on the diversity, flexibility, and efficiency that only a small family farm can capture. It will appeal to anyone interested in business management, our food supply, animal welfare, and Amish family life.

Author Bio

Randy James received his Ph.D. in agronomy from Ohio State University and has served as county agricultural agent in the Geauga County Amish Settlement for more than twenty years. He is also an associate professor for Ohio State Universitys College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences. James was cochair of the first national conference for professionals working with Amish and other Anabaptist communities. He resides in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.

Product Reviews

Be the first to write a review!

Ask Christianbook

Have a question about this product? Ask us here.

Back

&times

Ask Christianbook

What would you like to know about this product? Please enter your name, your email and your question regarding the product in the fields below, and we'll answer you in the next 24-48 hours.

If you need immediate assistance regarding this product or any other, please call 1-800-CHRISTIAN to speak directly with a customer service representative.